Related Stories

The Manitoba Review Board's decision means Li can go on unsupervised trips into the city of Selkirk for 30 minutes at a time, incrementally increasing to full days.

They also granted Li full-day staff-supervised trips into Winnipeg, provided one of the staff members has a cellphone, as well as staff-supervised trips to Lockport, Man., 30 km north of Winnipeg, and surrounding beaches.

Li has been held at Selkirk Mental Health Centre since June 2009 after he was found not criminally responsible for the stabbing and decapitation of Tim McLean, 22, on a Winnipeg-bound Greyhound bus just outside of Portage la Prairie, Man., in July 2008.

Carol de Delley, McLean's mother called the decision "disgraceful" stating she was "disgusted" but unsurprised by the decision.

"I think this should greatly concern every Canadian, do I really need to refresh everyone's memory on what happened? What this individual, sick though he may be, is capable of?" she said. "We should not be subjecting the rest of the public to this."

The decision comes after a hearing Monday during which Dr. Steven Kremer, Li's treating psychiatrist, recommended he be moved to an unlocked ward at Selkirk Mental Health Centre and allowed unescorted passes into Selkirk.

He also recommended Li be allowed to visit Winnipeg under group supervision.

Li has previously been allowed to visit Winnipeg under one-to-one supervision.

Li suffers from schizophrenia and Kremer said he has responded well to treatment, understands the importance of taking his medication and is a low-risk to re-engage in violence.

"Our overall goal is to have Mr. Li re-integrated into society," Kremer said Monday.